Trump administration agrees to restore health websites and data
By MIKE STOBBE
NEW YORK (AP) — In a landmark settlement with doctors groups and other organizations, federal officials have agreed to reinstate crucial health and science-related webpages and data that were removed in the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Lead plaintiff in the case, the Washington State Medical Association, announced the agreement this week, marking a significant victory for public health advocates.
Following a Trump executive order instructing agencies to cease using the term “gender” in federal policies and documents, the administration swiftly removed information on pregnancy risks, opioid-use disorder, and the AIDS epidemic. This decision was met with widespread criticism from the medical community, who viewed it as an infringement on access to vital health resources.
Dr. John Bramhall, president of the Washington State Medical Association, described the removal of trusted health information as an “egregious example of government overreach,” emphasizing the impact on physicians’ ability to manage patient care effectively.
Under the terms of the settlement, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has committed to restoring over 100 websites and resources to their previous state, ensuring that critical health information is once again accessible to the public.
Graham Short, spokesperson for the Washington State doctors’ group, confirmed that the restoration process is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, providing much-needed relief to healthcare professionals and patients alike.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Seattle, included a coalition of medical societies, nursing associations, and advocacy groups seeking to hold federal health officials accountable for the removal of essential health resources.
In response to questions about the settlement, federal officials reiterated their commitment to removing what they refer to as “radical gender and DEI ideology” from federal programs, while ensuring taxpayer dollars are effectively utilized.
Similar legal challenges have been mounted across the country, with a separate case in Washington, D.C. also resulting in the restoration of health information to the public. These efforts underscore the importance of upholding access to accurate and reliable health resources for all.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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